Rerouting Plumbing: What It Means—and What It Really Costs

Rerouting plumbing isn’t always a choice during the renovation process. Whether you’re correcting leaks, updating an older home, or adapting your space for a new layout, moving pipes is often the only way to achieve safe, reliable, and up-to-code results. 

Costs for rerouting plumbing start at around $500 for a basic job, but most homeowners see an average expense between $4,000 and $6,000. More involved projects, such as those with extensive demolition or complex layouts, may cost far more. 

Your contractor will ultimately be the best resource to pinpointing your budget for rerouting your plumbing. However, below are pointers to help you predict if—and why—rerouting pipes may be necessary and the level of labor needed. 

Understanding rerouted plumbing

Rerouting plumbing means changing the path of your water supply or drain lines, typically to accommodate a new layout, fix persistent problems, or resolve code issues. This work often involves moving pipes inside walls, under floors, or in ceilings to support updates like relocated sinks, showers, or appliances. Contractors reroute plumbing to avoid problem areas, replace outdated piping, or ensure that new fixtures have proper access to water and waste lines.

Common reasons you may need to reroute plumbing

Rerouting kitchen plumbing

• Redesigning your layout: Moving your sink, dishwasher, or refrigerator to a different spot often means rerouting both water supply and drain lines. This ensures each new appliance or fixture gets the plumbing access it needs and preserves workflow.
• Making space for new appliances: New features like a second dishwasher, pot filler, or island sink typically require lines to be run from existing sources. These additions also have to fit code requirements, which sometimes demands more extensive changes.
• Repairing leaking or outdated pipes: If you’re dealing with persistent leaks or very old pipes, rerouting can be the most efficient way to restore reliability. New pipes offer a fresh start and help avoid future water damage or repairs.
• Improving water pressure or performance: Plumbing layouts that are poorly designed or filled with aging pipes can struggle to deliver steady water flow. Rerouting can resolve pressure problems and make everyday kitchen tasks more enjoyable.

Rerouting bathroom plumbing

• Building a new bathroom: Adding an entirely new bathroom, often in an addition or basement, always requires rerouting or running new plumbing lines. Planning for appropriate supply and drainage lines is essential to ensure long-term reliability and code compliance.
• Adjusting the layout for better function: Shifting the placement of a toilet, vanity, or shower demands that supply and drain pipes move as well. Practical changes like these provide better use of space and comfort without sacrificing utility.
• Expanding or reconfiguring the space: Projects like turning a half bath into a full or adding a double vanity rely on new pipes and drainage being installed. This increases comfort but requires additional wall or floor access for new plumbing routes.
• Accommodating different types of appliances: If you’re planning on converting your bath into a shower, upgrading from a standard tub to a jacuzzi, or adding a smart toilet, you’ll need to reroute plumbing to meet specific water supply and drainage requirements. Each of these appliances demands its own configuration, so your contractor will adjust or run new pipes to ensure safe, reliable operation. 

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Factors that will drive up the cost of rerouting plumbing

• Length and complexity of new pipe runs: Longer and more complicated pipe routes require more labor and materials. If pipes have to travel between levels or around nonstandard framing, contractors may need additional time and fittings, raising the overall price.
• Need to open walls, floors, or ceilings: Gaining access to pipes means removing and later repairing finished surfaces. If you have tile, hardwood, or custom cabinets in the way, demolition and restoration can add significant cost to a project.
• Working with older homes or unique structures: Vintage properties or homes with unusual layouts often present hidden challenges—like non-standard sizes or unpredictable obstacles behind walls. Navigating these surprises usually demands experience and careful planning.
• Type of pipe selected: Material choices, such as copper versus PEX, affect both durability and upfront cost. Specialty pipes or advanced noise-reduction solutions can also impact the final price.
• Local permitting and inspection requirements: Most plumbing projects require permits and must follow building codes. Scheduling and passing inspections adds time, and in some areas, extra fees are charged for complex or multi-stage jobs.
• Scope of the renovation or repair: Plumbing rerouting that is part of a full remodel may need to be coordinated with work done by electricians, HVAC pros, or carpenters. Uncovering problems in other systems can trigger extra steps and expenses.
• Unexpected obstacles or discoveries: Sometimes demolition uncovers mold, asbestos, electrical issues, or past repairs that were never brought up to code. Addressing these before work can continue ensures safety but is rarely included in the initial estimate.

Partner with skilled pros with help from Block

Plumbing upgrades are an investment not just in your home’s function, but also in daily comfort and peace of mind. With Block, you’ll receive clear, step-by-step guidance from expert renovation consultants and access to a network of vetted, licensed contractors whose work meets the highest standards. You can compare quotes easily, track progress from start to finish, and count on support every step of the way. When it’s your turn to reroute plumbing—or tackle a full home renovation—Block is here to help you feel confident, cared for, and fully equipped to see your vision through.